OC nurse paralyzed in bizarre accident retires from hospital where she was treated

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (KABC) – For the past 31 years, Deanne Niedziela has dedicated her life to helping others at Providence Mission Hospital.

But a year ago her life changed forever.

“I spent my 30th anniversary in that hospital bed,” Niedziela said.

The head nurse, who used to be in charge of spinal care at the hospital, became a patient herself after being hit by a falling tree while traveling in Costa Rica.

Niedziela’s spinal cord was crushed and he is now paralyzed.

“This is a tragic accident that happened to me, but I have no control over it,” she said. “I can’t look back at the calendar.”

On Thursday, Niedziela returned to Mission Hospital for the last time in her role as managing director of acute care.

She made her last round and said goodbye to doctors and nurses.

“I just know that my colleagues are great people,” said Niedziela.

Deanne’s colleagues like Cherie Fox said that retirement marks the end of a great career.

“To have cared for patients and led this spine institute and now to be able to participate in it as a patient myself is truly an extraordinary triumph of courage and strength,” Fox said. “She is a driving force for many of us nurses in terms of overcoming problems, adapting and really being that guiding light for many of us.”

Niedziela is focused on her recovery and becoming more independent.

To help her achieve this goal, a GoFundMe page has been set up.

She said she couldn’t begin this new chapter of her life without the people she has worked so closely with over the past three decades.

“I’m just so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life,” Niedziela said. “Now we can live anywhere and I don’t want to leave because they are my family. They are just my family.”